Is Transplanted Hair Really Permanent?

I am considering hair transplantation surgery and want to know if the transplanted hair is permanent?  

Generally speaking…yes, the transplanted hair is permanent for those suffering from Androgenetic Alopecia commonly referred to hereditary hair loss whether Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) or female pattern baldness (FPB).

A Quality  hair transplant doctor using ultra refined follicular unit grafting    removes hair from the donor area (the sides and back of your head) in an area known as the “safe zone”.

The “safe zone” refers to the area on the sides and back of your head that contains hair that is genetically resistant to De-hydro Testosterone or DHT – the hormone responsible for hair loss.  

Because these donor hairs in the safe zone  are genetically programmed to be DHT resistant, the transplanted hair follicles will remain permanent.

There have been, however,  numerous discussions recently on our hair loss discussion forums  about the “safe zone” and whether or not it really exists.

It is possible as one gets older that this “safe zone” could potentially thin out as one loses testosterone. If this happens, certainly some transplanted hairs could thin out as well.   The good news is, that though this is typical as one advances in years…it is extremely rare that this thinning will be noticeable.

Donor thinning, however, is one reason  why some hair transplant doctors recommend the use of Propecia which contains finasteride even in the later years of life for those who have experienced hair thinning/balding.

The use of medication such as Propecia, Rogaine with Minoxodil (the only two FDA approved drugs for hair loss) may help prevent donor thinning over the years.   Adding Nizoral 2% shampoo 2-3 times a week or Revita shampoo daily which contains ketoconazole which may help minimized DHT to the scalp.

Bill
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog

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